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Central Indiana Chapter Highlights from NECA 2026 Convention in Las Vegas

ECIC

The Student Chapters from Ball State University and Purdue University had the chance to watch the next generation of the industry in action at the Electrical Contracting Innovation Challenge (ECIC), hosted by ELECTRI International for NECA Student Chapters. This year, student teams stepped into the role of an electrical contractor and worked through a full project life cycle for a hospital, from bidding and estimating to project management, BIM coordination, and design-build innovation.

Three finalist teams presented their projects in Las Vegas on October 4, with winners announced at the Opening General Session. It was a great opportunity for the students in our chapter to see the final presentations and the questions from the panelists – it gave our students a better understanding of all of the considerations on an electrical contraction project and underscored the the value of competing in the competition. 

Supporting student chapters is a big part of building our future workforce, and it was inspiring to see what these students put together. 

Our Booth: Next Stop, Indianapolis

The Central Indiana NECA booth had one main message this year: NECA Convention 2027 is coming to Indianapolis! We spent the week talking with attendees about what Indy has to offer and sharing our 2027 convention video, which debuted while we were in Vegas and is live on our social media channels.

We also used the time on the show floor to catch up with exhibitors and partners. Our team interviewed many of the company booths in attendance, covering everything from what they were showcasing to a little Indiana trivia. Keep an eye on our social channels over the coming weeks, where we'll be sharing clips from those conversations.

Chapter Dinner and Cirque du Soleil

No trip to Vegas is complete without a show! Our chapter got together for dinner at Phil’s Steakhouse followed by a performance of Mystere by Cirque du Soleil. It was a great chance to slow down, spend time with our members and partners outside of the sessions, and enjoy a dinner and show.

Education and General Sessions

Between events, our team and members attended general sessions and education classes focused on where the electrical construction industry is headed and how to maximize their involvement with NECA. The robust course offerings included topics like navigating the legal struggles behind on mega project bids, understanding the full value of ELECTRI! Membership, how to best serve as a trustee and more. Courses like these are part of what makes being a NECA member so valuable, and Convention allows us the chance to bring these opportunities back to home to our membership. 

Another highlight was the Women in NECA (WIN) panel breakfast. We heard from women who have built long careers in NECA and the electrical industry as they shared the challenges they've faced, the lessons they've learned, and the what shaped them along the way. Their stories were honest, encouraging, and a great reminder of how much women have helped shape this industry.

The general sessions also offered insightful, introspective and inspiring messages on leadership, management, perseverance and success. Former college football coach Nick Saban, multi-time grand slam winner Andre Agassi and veteran and Paralympian Melissa Stockwell all gave attendees incredible takeaways from their keynote addresses, and we can’t wait to see what kind of speakers Indianapolis has in store next year. 

Congratulations, David Peterson

One of the proudest moments of the week for our chapter was seeing David Peterson of ERMCO inducted into the Academy of Electrical Contracting. The Academy recognizes leaders who have made lasting contributions to the electrical contracting industry, and this honor is well deserved. Congratulations, David!

VP Reception

Ahead of the Closing Reception, the chapter hosted a VP Reception where we took time to honor two people who have meant a lot to our district.

We celebrated Chuck Fairchild on the end of his term as NECA's Vice President of Integrated Systems. We thank Chuck not only for his service in his role but in his help creating a space for advocacy for integrated systems at larger level.

We also congratulated Sara Dinkel Smith as she continues in her role as District 4 Vice President. We're grateful for her leadership and look forward to the work ahead over the coming years. 

See You in Indianapolis

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth, joined us for dinner, or simply said hello during the week. NECA  2026 Convention was a great reminder of how strong and connected this industry is.

Next year, we get to host. We can't wait to welcome contractors and partners from across the country to Indianapolis for the NECA 2027 Convention, and we'll be sharing more details as plans come together.